At 26, Harrison Slogrove is believed to be the youngest person to run a sugar mill in the Australian industry. 

It just so happens that the factory he's managing is the oldest operating sugar mill in Queensland.

Harrison was 25 when he was appointed Production Superintendent of Macknade Mill in the Herbert region last year. Macknade Mill is 148 years old.

It’s a responsibility Harrison doesn’t take lightly.

“Obviously it’s an honour to be put in charge of a sugar mill. And then there’s the added responsibility of being in charge of the oldest sugar mill in continuous operation. I’m very conscious of Macknade’s history and its importance in the industry,” he said.

Harrison has risen quickly through Wilmar Sugar’s ranks since graduating from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) and the University Medal for Chemical Engineering.

He joined Wilmar Sugar’s graduate program in June 2017, working in the cogeneration team under Cogeneration Energy Manager Paul Trayner.

He then worked as Technical Assistant at Invicta Mill and Assistant Production Superintendent at Victoria Mill before being appointed Production Superintendent at Macknade Mill in February 2021.

Harrison said he loved the challenges of sugar milling, and the ability to work alongside some of the best in the industry.

“Wilmar has a lot of really experienced operators, coordinators and engineers, many of whom have helped and mentored me along the way,” he said.

“I have to acknowledge in particular, Paul Trayner, Brian Edwards (retired Senior Technologist) and James Wallace (Invicta Mill Production Superintendent).”

He also enjoys working in the Herbert region. 

“The people here really understand that the mill is a massive part of the community. They care about our success because they know how important the sugar industry is to the local economy.”